This day in philatelic history...

On this day in 1997, Hong Kong was handed back to the Chinese authorities - ending more than 50 years of British control.

Click here to visit the Hong Kong Post Office online. The site has a variety of features including a philatelic amusement arcade and suggestions on exhibiting stamps . [Note - it is not necessary to download the Chinese characters. Just cick on cancel when that window appears.]

Shown above are the first stamps that were issued under Chinese control on July 1, 1997.